SUNday, NOVEMBER 22, 2020 Qatar sports marching on, overcoming the global pandemic challenges

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Qatar will present the best version of FIFA World Cup 2022 and we have proven our ability to organise the biggest world tournaments. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary- General, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy

An aerial picture of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Al Thumama Stadium, one of eight state-of-the-art World Cup venues, the design of which has been inspired by the traditional ‘gahfiya’ – a traditional woven cap worn by men in the Middle East region. The 40,000-capacity stadium will host World Cup matches through to the quarter-finals.(SC)

n March this year, as The SC began by identifying this was a bold move. “It was Stars League’s efforts to facili- Champions League West Re- the COVID-19 pandemic those most at risk due to un- very challenging to organise a tate the safe return of football, gion Group Stage matches wrought havoc, the world derlying health conditions digital event during the pan- Al Arabi skipper Aron Gun- from the 14th of September ground to a halt – and and isolated them, assuring demic, but we didn’t want to narsson said: “The QSL has onwards, and Al Khater saw theI sports sector was no ex- employees that the measures hold back. We wanted to be in- tried everything possible to this as a real opportunity to ception. For the first time would have, “no effect on sala- novative and pay tribute to the make sure that football can trial the infrastructure in ad- since the Second World War, ries, and food and accommo- frontline health workers. The return back to normal. You vance of 2022. national leagues, continental dation (would be) covered for live programmes we produced have to compliment them for “We are very eager to test tournaments, and even the any individual forced to tem- in collaboration with Qatar getting football back to normal out the innovative cooling sys- Olympic Games were called porarily relocate.” Foundation and beIN SPORTS in Qatar. If you look at other tems we have installed in the off, rendering the sporting cal- Working alongside the local were a fitting tribute to every- countries in the region, they World Cup host stadiums,” endar bare - an unprecedented health authorities, the SC intro- one who has given so much to have not been able to get foot- he revealed, “which maintain series of events in peace time. duced their own 1000-capacity fight this dreadful virus.” ball back yet. We feel that the a temperature of between 18 Qatar’s government quick- isolation facility, allowing them The SC’s isolation facility players are safe and ready to and 24 degrees, which in turn ly took the wise decision to to minimise the risk of infec- was able to close in mid-Au- kick on again.” will help fans to feel more suspend all sporting activities tion amongst their workforce. gust due to a significant drop Despite the hunger to comfortable during a period of across the nation. However, “The proactive strategy we em- in cases. However, Al Thawadi recommence the league, the year when the high sum- with the FIFA World Cup Qa- ployed enabled us to manage acknowledges that the situa- Ahmed Abbassi, QSL’s Execu- mer temperatures have not tar 2022 growing ever closer, the spread of COVID-19 on our tion is ever-evolving, and con- tive Director of Competition fully abated.” the country’s sporting bodies projects for up to six weeks, un- tinues to be monitored as such. and Football Development Al Khater also expressed had some tough decisions to til the first case was reported,” The SC were not the only stressed, “It was never a case his pride that Qatar is, “play- make. How would their na- Al Thawadi stated. entity in Qatar’s vibrant foot- of being one of the first (in the ing an active role in the safe tional football team, who are Such stringent measures ball sector facing challenges. region) to start,” and that QSL and gradual return of football currently ranked 54th in the allowed for the Education City Sporting activities were initial- “never felt a pressure to be the activity on a continental level world, continue to train for stadium to open its doors on ly suspended for two weeks, first.” It was a case of safety for football fans across the lowing football fans the world keen to account for. “We’re the biggest challenge of their the 15th of June 2020. While and few could have imagined first, every step of the way”. world,” despite the fact that over to, once again, contem- acutely aware of the socioeco- careers? How could stadium previous stadiums have been that, four months down the The state-of-the-art cooling fans cannot currently be pre- plate a spectacular footballing nomic effects of the pandemic and infrastructure deadlines inaugurated amidst glitzy line, the Qatar national team systems in place at the majority sent. Despite such enforced re- festival. around the world,” Al Thawadi be met, while continuing to ceremonies at prestigious would still not be back on the of Qatar’s football arenas may strictions, he shared his belief Al Thawadi recognises the revealed, “and are striving to safeguard the workforce? competition finals, this time pitch. Once play finally did have played a part, as they al- that “football has the power newfound responsibilities Qa- offer an affordable and safe Speaking at the World In- around the organising com- resume, it was in vastly differ- lowed the likes of the QNB Stars to bring people together even tar 2022 has to the global com- World Cup. As societies strive novation Summit for Health mittee knew they would have ent circumstances. Stringent League and the AFC Champi- through their screens,” to help munity, amid the realisation to emerge from lockdowns, (WISH) last week, Hassan Al to get creative, staging a digi- health and safety protocols ons League to go ahead, which alleviate some of the hard- that it could well be the biggest sport is playing an important Thawadi, Secretary-General tal opening event alongside a were implemented, with con- would otherwise have been an ships that millions of people post-Covid event on the inter- role in our journey toward a of the Supreme Committee poignant tribute to the front- stant testing, strict isolation impossibility during the hot are facing. national calendar. Since the return to normalcy… In many for Delivery & Legacy (SC), re- line workers assisting in the and severe fines imposed for summer months. With two years to go until celebration of the three-year ways, I believe Qatar 2022 called this tumultuous period, fight against COVID-19. anybody found to be breaking The cooling technology the tournament kicks off, the countdown, the goalposts have has become even more im- and shed light on the decision- Nasser Al Khater, CEO the new rules. was a key factor in the decision efficacy of recently discovered indisputably moved - some- portant due to recent events.” making process that ensued. of Qatar 2022, admitted that Complimenting the QNB to host the AFC’s postponed vaccines are – at long last – al- thing which the organisers are (Alkass Digital) GWC excited towards providing logistics operations for the world’s largest single sport event: GWC chairman

Tribune News Network sports and event logistics ser- dinated reverse logistics. Doha vices, as well as warehousing, “GWC offers this multitude freight forwarding, transpor- of services with over 3 million On the occasion of two years tation, IT, and fine art crucial square meters of integrated lo- to FIFA World Cup Qatar to the smooth and efficientde - gistics infrastructure, a global 2022™ countdown, Sheikh livery of this world-class event. freight forwarding network, Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jas- We have every confidence that more than 1200 specialised sem bin Jabor Al Thani, GWC we will showcase to the world transportation vehicles, best Chairman, expressed excite- what Qatar is capable of in the in class IT solutions, compre- ment and GWC’s (Official Lo- fields of sports, culture, tour- hensive tracking systems, and gistics Provider) commitment ism, and beyond” highly competent team of pro- in delivering this massive un- On the full spectrum of lo- fessionals with unrivalled ac- dertaking and fulfil the world’s GWC Chairman Sheikh Abdulla gistics operations offered, he cess to the stadiums as the Of- largest single sport event. bin Fahad bin Jassem bin added: “From venue manage- ficial Logistics Provider for the He commented: “On the oc- Jabor Al Thani. ment, broadcasting, and cold FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. casion of the two-year milestone chain logistics, to shipping, “We take this national man- before the FIFA World Cup Qa- of the nation towards the devel- customs clearance, warehous- date very seriously, and our tar 2022™ and as the Official opment and completion of the ing, and distribution, down to highly developed logistics infra- Logistics Provider for the tour- various infrastructure for Qatar the logistics management of structure and host of services nament we would like to express 2022™ coming together under merchandise, souvenirs, food, have fully prepared us for this how excited we are in Qatar to a united and sustainable vision. and beverage – all details, large undertaking, and we continue deliver this massive undertak- “In 2022, all eyes will and small, will require end-to- to develop and improve in order ing and fulfil the world’s larg- turn to Qatar, and delivering maximum application of our er before experienced in World tournament, making GWC’s end tracking and execution, to ensure the successful actual- est single sport event. We truly a successful FIFA World Cup expertise and effort for an un- Cup history. Logistics will play fully integrated world class from point of entry to point of ization of another milestone of commend the immense efforts tournament will require the precedented tournament nev- a significant role during the logistics solutions including use, in addition to highly coor- Qatar’s national vision.” Sports Sunday, November 22, 2020 13 Sheikh Joaan crowns HH Amir Cup Shooting winners

Masoud wins skeet gold in shoot-off with Rashid

Tribune News Network Doha

Former Asian Games gold med- allist Masoud Hamad Saleh defeat- ed his younger brother Rashid in a shoot-off to win Skeet gold at the Amir Cup Shooting and Archery Championships on Saturday. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, graced the prize-distribution ceremony. In a thrilling contest at the Lo- sail Shooting Range, the brothers were tied at a score of 54 at the The men’s skeet event podium finishers with HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, end of the 60-shot final round. President, Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar Shooting and Archery Association Both kept their nerve till the two HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, with winners of HH The Amir Cup Archery and President Ali Mohamed Al Kuwari at the Lusail Complex on Saturday. rounds of four shots each in the Shooting Competition at the Lusail Complex on Saturday. shoot-off. In the third round of to outperforme Reem Al Sharshani. ways there especially in the finals, four shots, Masoud was on target Cup. The event like this will help and today also he was brilliant,” learnt a lot over the years from Hajar scored 53 from her but I stayed focused and won the while Rashid missed the target. us stay focused for international Masoud said. him,” said the 34-year-old Rashid. round of 60 shots, while Reem gold today,” said Hajar. Saeed Abusharib Hamad, who competitions coming up in the fu- Rashid has represented Qatar London Olympics bronze could hit only 42. Reem also felt the competition won the Trap gold last week, fin- ture,” the 2002 Asian Games gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing and medallist Nasser Saleh Al Atti- Talking about her competition was very tough today. ished third. medallist said. the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and is yah failed to qualify for the final, with Reem, Hajar said, “We start- “It was a very tough competi- “The competition was very Masoud was all praise for his also in the race to qualify for the as he finished the qualification ed off shooting together and rep- tion. The flight of the targets was tough,” said Masoud. two-time Olympian brother. Tokyo Games. round with a score of 113 at the resented Qatar together in many not consistent as it was a windy “It is a nice feeling to win the “Rashid is a very good shooter “I took shooting because of my 10th spot. competitions. We also push each day,” the silver medallist said. title and take part in such a pres- and a tough competitor. He has elder brother. He has won many In the women’s section, Hajar other always and today too it was Amal Ahmed Al Rafea came third tigious competitor like the Amir won many international medals medals at the Asian level. I have Mohamed put up a splendid display a close competition. Pressure is al- with a score of 36.

Beijing FC show intent Hyundai outclass in win over FC Seoul AFC Doha

Beijing FC made a seamless resumption to their 2020 AFC Champions League campaign, Shanghai Shenhua 3-1 picking up from where they left off nine months ago with a AFC 2-1 win over ’s FC Doha Seoul in Group E at the Educa- tion City Stadium on Saturday. Yoon Bit-garam made Goals from Fernando and A a memorable return to Lan paved the way for Beijing’s the AFC Champions victory, before Seoul captain League, scoring twice to Park Chu-young pulled a goal help Ulsan Hyundai to back from the penalty spot with a convincing 3-1 win in Group 25 minutes remaining. Hani Taleb Ballan, the CEO of F over Shanghai Shenhua at The result, coupled with Qatar Stars League (QSL), dur- the Education City Stadium on Beijing’s 1-0 victory over Chi- ing the AFC Champions League Saturday. angrai United back in February, match between Korea’s FC Seoul The midfielder celebrated puts Bruno Génésio’s side three and China’s Beijing Guoan at his first appearance in the points clear of Seoul on top of the Education City Stadium on competition in eight years with Group E, in which all four teams Saturday. (AFP) a first-half brace, before Kim have now played twice. Kee-hee added a third as Kim Seoul came into the match which fell to Han Chan-hee. Do-hoon’s side turned domes- eager to turn around their The busy Han fired the first tic disappointment into Doha form which had produced just shot after the interval, too, and it delight two weeks after losing one win in their last seven took a terrific stop from Beijing the Korean FA Cup Final. Qatari referee Khamis Al Marri matches but, even in a change goalkeeper Hou Sen to deny the Zhu Jianrong scored a late officiates during the AFC Cham- of scenery which brought them 23-year-old, who had turned on consolation goal for Shenhua, pions League Group E match to Education City Stadium’s a sixpence to control Ko Kwang- who drop to third in the Group between Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai billiard table-like surface, they min’s pass in the 49th minute. F standings on three points, and China’s Shanghai Shenhua found themselves behind the But just as Seoul looked to one behind joint leaders Ulsan Ulsan Hyundai’s Kim Kee-hee (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates during the AFC Champions at the Education City Stadium eight-ball. be mounting a revival, Beijing’s and FC Tokyo. League Group H match against Shanghai Shenhua at the Education City Stadium on Saturday. (AFP) on Saturday. (AFP) In fact, it took just eight quality shone through once From the earliest exchang- minutes for Beijing to go ahead, more in the 60th minute, when es, it was a match that was a magnificent first-time shot As good as Ulsan looked when a dawdling Seoul need- A Lan, formerly known as Alan controlled by Ulsan, who kept Standings Group F into the top corner of Li’s net going forward, they were lessly coughed up possession in Carvalho, curled in a classy sec- the ball and created chances Club P W D l GF GA GD Pts from the edge of the penalty equally solid in defence, at their defensive third and Brazil- ond goal of the match from the seemingly at will in a dominant Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR) 2 1 1 0 4 2 2 4 area in the 41st minute. least until the 87th minute, ian midfielder Fernando duly edge of the penalty area. opening 45 minutes. FC Tokyo (JPN) 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4 Shenhua boss Choi Kang- when Zhu hammered a home a made them pay, finding the At 2-0, there appeared little Shanghai Shenhua had se- Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN) 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3 hee introduced Sun Shilin free header with his side’s first back of the net with the aid of a chance of a Seoul comeback, but cured their first AFC Champi- Perth Glory (AUS) 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 and midweek goal scorer Yu shot on target of the match. deflection after being patiently the deficit was halved just five ons League win in over a dec- Hanchao at half-time, but the The 2019 Chinese FA Cup by Zhang Yuning. minutes later, when Park Chu- ade three days earlier but, at Chinese club could do little to winners will be eager to turn Beijing’s early confidence yong eased home his second of the same venue as their 2-1 win time of asking after his initial Negrao twice finding himself stem the flow. the tide when they face FC To- boost set the tone for much of the tournament from the pen- over Perth Glory, they strug- effort was saved by Li Shuai, in goal scoring positions, only Strong goalkeeping from kyo on Tuesday, the same day the first half, with the Chinese alty spot after Beijing’s Korean gled to build a foundation in only for the ball to spill back to misfire. Li delayed Ulsan’s third, but Ulsan Hyundai continue their outfit moving the ball around defender Kim Min-jae was ad- the match, and quickly found into his path, with the 15-time But the Brazilian still made there was nothing he could campaign against Australia’s with aplomb, and Seoul chas- judged to have handled the ball themselves trailing. Korean international making an impressive contribution, do to stop Kim’s inventively Perth Glory. ing shadows as their opponents just inside the area. The breakthrough came in no mistake with his low finish. and he played a part in Ulsan’s flicked 63rd-minute header, hoarded more than 70 per cent Up next for Beijing are the 19th minute, when Yoon The scoring chances con- wonderful second goal, which which looped beyond the Scoreline: Ulsan Hyundai of first half possession. Melbourne Victory on Tues- found himself in acres of tinued to flow, and all at one included one-touch passes shot-stopper’s reach after a 3 (Yoon Bit-garam 19’, 41’; At times Beijing threatened day while Seoul will look to get space, then found back of the end of the pitch, with from Junior, Lee Sang-heo and wide set-piece delivery from Kim Kee-hee 63’) bt Shanghai to double their lead – A Lan their campaign back on track net, converting at the second Golden Boot winner Junior Yoon, with the latter sending Sin Jin-ho. Shenhua 1 (Zhu Jianrong 89’) took advantage of a quickly against Chiangrai United on taken free-kick to force Yang the same day. Han-been into a smart low save Scoreline: Beijing FC 2 – while Seoul were limited to a (Fernando 8’, Alan Carvalho 60’) bt Perreira, Morais to pause friendship as Jeonbuk Hyundai & Shanghai SIPG clash handful of half chances, most of FC Seoul 1 (Park Chu-young 66’ (P)) Standings Group E AFC well to other cultures and campaign if they fail to get Club P W D l GF GA GD Pts Doha being flexible, that combi- their first win of the 2020 nation is why many of us AFC Champions League at Beijing FC (CHN) 2 2 0 0 3 1 2 6 Shanghai SIPG head Portuguese coaches do well Khalifa International Sta- FC Seoul (KOR) 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 coach Vitor Perreira wants abroad.” dium. Melbourne Victory (AUS) 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 to put his friendship with “It is very difficult to re- “We are well prepared Chiangrai United (THA) 2 0 0 2 0 2 -2 0 fellow Portuguese Jose Mo- cover so quickly after our and excited for our first rais, his Jeonbuk Hyundai last match, so we will have game here,” said Morais. Motors counterpart on hold to look at players who didn’t “We are focusing on what for 90 minutes as the two play the full 90 minutes is possible for us and our sides clash in Group G of against Sydney FC. possibilities exist in terms of the 2020 AFC Champions “Oscar starts training qualifying and reaching the League at the Khalifa Inter- with the team today, we will final.” national Stadium at 4pm on assess his fitness and wheth- “The competition is diffi- Sunday. Shanghai SIPG and play at 4pm on Sunday. er he can help us. We have to cult, and we want to perform The two tacticians are wait for training today.” to tell the world that even in long-time friends, having both League title and Morais lift- we both want to win, so for While Shanghai SIPG a moment of big challenge, worked at FC Porto around ing back-to-back K League 1 90 minutes there will be no could go level with Yokoha- human will and creativity the turn of the century. titles with Jeonbuk Hyundai friendship, but at the end of ma F. Marinos at the top of can overcome adversity. They have since both Motors. the game we will be friends the group with a win on Sun- “My mindset is about fo- gone on to win league titles “We have known each again. day, Jeonbuk Hyundai Mo- cusing on the possibilities of in Asia, with Perreira guid- other for a long time,” said “In Portugal we do well tors could find themselves the moment, not what we did Beijing’s forward Alan (2nd-R) celebrates his goal with teammates dur- ing Shanghai SIPG to their Perreira. in preparing coaches and we well off the pace midway in the past. My only thought ing the AFC Champions League Group E match against China’s Beijing first-ever Chinese Super “Tomorrow is a game have a tradition of adapting through their group stage is about winning the game.” Guoan at the Education City Stadium on Saturday. (AFP) 14 Sunday, November 22, 2020 Sports Spurs sink City to take top spot, Chelsea up to 2nd AFP London Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe reacts after Tottenham powered to the scoring the opening goal during the French L1 Ligue match against top of the with Monaco at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco on Friday. (AFP) an impressive 2-0 win against Manchester City, while Chel- sea are up to second place af- Monaco come back ter their victory at Newcastle on Saturday. Jose Mourinho’s side to stun PSG after are two points clear of Chel- sea thanks to goals from Son Heung-min and Giovani Lo Mbappe double Celso at the Tottenham Hot- spur Stadium. Tottenham took the lead af- AFP Mbappe was back in the ter five minutes as South Korean Paris starting line-up, however, af- forward Son ran onto Tanguy ter missing his club’s last two Ndombele’s lofted pass, beat the Cesc Fabregas scored a late outings prior to the interna- City offside trap and slotted a winner from the penalty spot tional break with a hamstring cool finish underE derson. as Monaco came from two injury. It was Son’s ninth league goals down to stun reigning Facing his former club, goal this season and his 11th in champions Paris Saint-Ger- with whom he won the Ligue all competitions. main 3-2 in Ligue 1 on Friday. 1 title in 2017, Mbappe burst City dominated possession Kylian Mbappe had net- through to put Paris in front in after Son’s goal and thought ted a first-half brace, including the 25th minute after being re- they had equalised in the 27th a penalty, against his former leased by Angel Di Maria. minute when Aymeric Laporte side, taking him to 99 goals for He then found the net fired home. PSG and leaving his current again in the 37th minute, con- But Gabriel Jesus con- team seemingly on course for a verting a penalty awarded for trolled Rodri’s cross with his ninth consecutive league win. a foul on Rafinha by Youssouf arm before setting up Laporte But German international Fofana. and the goal was disallowed Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (right) reacts with Tottenham Hotspur’s French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (centre) after the Kevin Volland struck twice for His ninth goal of the sea- after referee Mike Dean con- final whistle of their EPL match against Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday. Tottenham won 2-0.(AFP) Monaco after the break and son leaves him just one away sulted the pitchside monitor. Fabregas converted from 12 from a century of goals in a Lo Celso came off the Kane represents the spirit of “It could be better. We period leading up to Christmas. competitions. yards in the 84th minute after PSG shirt since his arrival bench to score with his first the team, and all the other played similar to how we have Chelsea’s pressure was ’s side Abdou Diallo had been sent off from Monaco at the start of touch just 35 seconds after his guys are the same. They all all season. We did not defend rewarded in the 10th minute took the lead through Danny for conceding the all-impor- 2017/18 in a 180 million-euro introduction. want to do it,” Mourinho said. good for the first goal,” Guar- when Mason Mount whipped Welbeck before Ezri Konsa’s tant penalty. ($213m) deal. He even had an- The Argentine midfielder “We found a way to play diola said. in a low cross and Fernan- equaliser for Villa. PSG remain clear at the other goal disallowed just be- netted his first Premier League and it was magnificent to see “We had more chances dez turned it into his own Solly March put Brighton top of Ligue 1, but this result fore half-time. goal in the 65th minute, driv- them play how they did.” than them but we lost. Mour- net under pressure from Ben back in front, but Albion de- is a major setback for Thomas Without their French in- ing his shot past Ederson after Tottenham, who last won inho’s teams are like this, you Chilwell. fender was Tuchel’s team before a crucial ternational striker Wissam Harry Kane’s sublime pass the top-flight title in 1961 and make a mistake and they pun- Chelsea put the result be- sent off for a foul on Jack Gre- Champions League tie against Ben Yedder after he tested prised open the City defence. haven’t lifted a major trophy ish you on the counter attack.” yond doubt in the 65th minute alish in stoppage-time. RB Leipzig next week. positive for coronavirus, it was On the one-year anniver- since 2008, would surrender Next weekend, Tottenham when Timo Werner acceler- Villa were controversially “I am more surprised than a long way back for Monaco sary of Mourinho’s appoint- pole position if Leicester beat face a fascinating clash with ated away from the Newcastle denied a penalty in the final I am angry,” said Tuchel, who but they reduced the deficit ment, Tottenham are unbeat- champions Liverpool at An- London rivals Chelsea, who defence and slipped a pass to seconds when Michael Oliver was also disappointed to see seven minutes after half-time en in their last eight league field on Sunday. maintained their fine form as Abraham, who guided his shot gave a spot-kick for March’s further first-half goals for when Gelson Martins set up games since losing to Everton City are languishing in Federico Fernandez’s first-half in off the post. challenge on Trezeguet, only Mbappe and Moise Kean dis- Volland to score from close in. on the opening weekend of the 10th place, eight points behind own goal and Tammy Abra- “It’s not an easy game. We for the referee to change his allowed. Volland then equalised season. the leaders after their first de- ham’s strike sealed a 2-0 win played well in patches and the mind after consulting the “I saw two totally different with a tap-in after Fabregas, Mourinho’s team are on feat in 10 games in all compe- at St James’ Park. result is key in these games,” pitchside monitor. halves. First of all we com- on as a substitute, had beaten a four-match winning run titions. Frank Lampard’s side are Lampard said. pletely controlled the game... goalkeeper Keylor Navas to a in the league and have been Pep Guardiola’s timid side unbeaten in nine games in all “I won’t get excited about English Premier League re- and then the second half was cross. transformed into genuine title look a shadow of the swagger- competitions and have not lost being top of the table for five sults Saturday: Aston Villa 1 completely different. I can only Worse was to come for the contenders just months after ing outfit that won successive in their last six league matches. minutes. It’s important to be (Konsa 47) Brighton 2 (Welbeck say it is our responsibility.” visitors, as Diallo -- another finishing outside the top four league titles in 2018 and 2019. With five clean sheets in humble and know it’s a long 12, March 56); Newcastle 0 Niko Kovac’s Monaco former Monaco player – clum- last term. Twelve points from eight their last six outings in all com- race.” Chelsea 2 (Fernandez 10-og, climb up to second in the ta- sily conceded a penalty and “The players gave every- games is City’s lowest total at petitions, Chelsea’s third suc- Brighton’s 2-1 success at Abraham 65); Tottenham 2 (Son ble, four points behind PSG, was shown a red card after the thing and followed a strategy. this stage of a Premier League cessive league victory was the Aston Villa ended a run of sev- 5, Lo Celso 65) Manchester but Lille can reclaim second referee opted to review the im- They were amazing. Harry campaign since 2008-09. perfect way to start a hectic en games without a win in all City 0. spot and move to within two ages. points of the leaders if they Fabregas made no mistake beat Lorient on Sunday. from the spot, as PSG lost a “If you come back from two Ligue 1 game after leading by down to win 3-2 it is for sure two goals for just the second Depleted something special, but I don’t time since the Qatari takeover Superb Neuer saves Bayern from shock defeat want to glorify it too much,” of the club in 2011. Real Madrid said ex-Bayern Munich coach Earlier Rennes warmed up AFP goal, that’s how Bremen’s plan Kovac. for their Champions League pinned back Berlin worked and they defended “We cannot stop and say rematch with Chelsea in the very well,” said Bayern for- everything is done. It was a big worst possible fashion, going European champions Bay- ward Thomas Mueller. victory but nothing more.” down to a 1-0 home defeat at by Villarreal ern Munich remained top of Kingsley Coman equalised PSG have been severely the hands of Bordeaux. the Bundesliga despite being in the 62nd minute at the Al- handicapped by injuries and Hatem Ben Arfa scored the AFP held on Saturday to a 1-1 home lianz Arena by meeting a Leon suspensions this season, and only goal of the game against Madrid draw by Werder Bremen, who Goretzka cross at the far post. Neymar was only deemed fit his old club, as Rennes slip to were only denied a shock win Bayern forward Eric Max- enough for a place on the bench fifth before entertaining Chel- A patched-up Real Madrid by a string of excellent saves im Choupo-Moting fired over at kick-off at the Stade Louis sea in a game they realistically had to hang on for a 1-1 draw from Manuel Neuer. with the goal at his mercy five II after missing Brazil’s World need to win to keep any hopes at in-form Villarreal on Satur- Germany goalkeeper Neu- minutes from time. Cup qualifiers over the last of reaching the Champions day, handing Barcelona and er produced great stops to However Neuer’s heroics week due to fitness problems. League last 16 alive. Atletico Madrid the chance to twice deny US forward Josh at the other end preserved the capitalise in La Liga. Sargent as Bremen earned draw to leave Bayern one point Barca and Atletico face their first point at Bayern for clear of Bayer Leverkusen at each other at the Wanda Met- a decade. the top of the table. ropolitano later on Saturday, “We had to invest a lot,” Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer defends the goal A day after his 16th birth- Cricket when victory for either side Neuer told Sky. during the German first division Bundesliga football match Bayern day, Youssoufa Moukoko Siraj stays with India on tour despite father’s death would now prove even more The 34-year-old bounced Munich vs Werder Bremen in Munich on Saturday. (AFP) could become the youngest valuable after another stum- back after conceding six goals player in Bundesliga history New Delhi: Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj has opted to stay with ble from the reigning cham- in Germany’s crushing defeat In the dying stages, Neuer his team “have to defend bet- if he plays for Borussia Dort- the Indian tourists in Australia despite the sudden death of his pions. by Spain in midweek with then stood tall to block a shot ter”. mund at Hertha Berlin on Sat- father, his team said Saturday. Siraj’s father died on Friday as the Mariano Diaz gave Real two brilliant first-half saves in by Sargent, who had broken Bremen deservedly went urday night. Indian side prepared for the start of their limited over games against Madrid the lead after just 105 quick succession. clear. ahead just before half-time Leverkusen climbed to Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that seconds but Zinedine Zidane’s He used a boot to block Bayern coach Hansi Flick when midfielderM aximilian second with a 2-1 win at strug- Siraj “was offered the option of flying back and be with his family team faded at La Ceramica a Sargent shot, then lunged was far from pleased that Eggestein finished off a superb glers Arminia Bielefeld thanks in this hour of grief. “The fast bowler has decided to stay with the and Villarreal claimed a de- across goal to save from Lud- Bremen took the lead in his attack. to Aleksandar Dragovic’s late Indian contingent and continue performing his national duties.” (AFP) served point through Gerard wig Augustinsson. 50th game in charge, saying “We conceded a very cheap winning goal. Moreno’s second-half penalty. “It feels like a small re- ward,” said Zidane. “We deserved more today for the game we played. I’m Thiem ends Djokovic’s ATP Finals record bid in London thriller annoyed because of the effort from the boys.” AFP will face either Rafael Nadal or “It was for sure a mental Thiem took time to settle Given the absentees, a London Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s battle,” said Thiem. “I got so at the start of the match, hit- draw may not worry Zidane finalas he chases the second- tight in the second-set tie- ting a number of unforced er- too much, particularly against Dominic Thiem recovered biggest title of his career. break, first of all because to rors, but found his rhythm and a buoyant Villarreal side who from squandering four match The 2019 runner-up, who play these legends is always his single-handed backhand sat second at kick-off after points in a dramatic second- forced the only break in the going to be something special. became an important weapon four victories on the bounce. set tie-break to beat Novak first set, faced an uphill bat- “And then playing for a fi- as the match wore on. Djokovic in three pulsating tle psychologically after his nal here at the ATP Finals is The third seed produced Spanish La Liga results on sets in the last four at the ATP missed chances in the second- also something very special. I a searing forehand winner to Saturday: Levante 1 (Me- Finals on Saturday. set tie-break. thought after my first big title set up the first and only break lero Manzanares 12) Elche The Austrian third seed’s But he was quickly back in in New York maybe I’m going point in the 11th game of the 1 (Morente 64); Villarreal 1 7-5, 6-7 (10/12), 7-6 (7/5) the groove and held his nerve to be a little bit more calm but first set and Djokovic netted (Gerard 76-pen) Real Madrid 1 win ended Djokovic’s hopes to rally from 4-0 down in the that was a mistake I guess. with a volley. The 27-year-old (Mariano 2); Sevilla 4 (Kounde of equalling Roger Federer’s final-set tie-break, winning six “I was just as tight and nerv- closed out the set impressive- 5, En-Nesyri 45+3, Escudero record of six titles at the elite successive points to earn two Austria’s Dominic Thiem (right) with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after his ous as before and it was so much ly, lashing a backhand winner 85, Munir 87) Celta Vigo 2 eight-man event. match points and taking the victory in their men’s singles semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals on the edge, the match... I’m in- down the line before produc- (Aspas 10, Nolito 36). The US Open champion second of those. at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday. (AFP) credibly happy to be through.” ing an ace. Sports Sunday, November 22, 2020 15

Sheikh Joaan honours QOC Challenge 2020 winners

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, with winners of the QOC Multi Games - Challenge 2020 at the Doha Sports Park Lusail on Saturday.

Riga (Serbia) team members receive the prize from HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Olympic Committee First Vice-President and FIBA Asia President at the Al Gharafa Beach Games Area on Saturday. We’re ready to face Al Arabi, Thrills galore as Riga win says Al Sadd coach Xavi Tribune News Network We’ll do our best, says Doha Hallgrimsson In contrast, Al Arabi coach Al Sadd coach Xavi Her- Heimir Hallgrimsson said his nandez said his side is ready team will do its best to prevail Doha Masters 2020 on to take pon Al Arabi in their over the Wolves. Week 6 clash of the QNB Stars “Statistics favour Al Sadd League at the Grand Hamad over Al Arabi over the past Stadium on Sunday. five years. Al Sadd are a strong “An important match team, given the potential of awaits us and our opponents the players who represent 80 incredible buzzer beater are a very strong team, which per cent of the Qatar national has qualified for the Amir Cup team, so we know with whom Tribune News Network Edgars Krumins topped Final, which will be held in Tissot shoot-out contest. final. They are going through Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez we are playing and there is no DOHA all scorers (34 points in 5 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on De- All the health and safety good times and have good addresses the media ahead of need to fear anything. games) and the speedy Nau- cember 18-19, 2020. In total, measures requested by local players and a good coach, so Week 6 QNB Stars League clash “We are trying to improve The Latvian team Riga ris Miezis received the MVP twelve teams will compete in and national authorities and the match will be very diffi- against Al Arabi on Saturday. our level and always get close completed an unbelievable trophy - from Qatar Olympic the final: Riga LA( T), Liman the Guidelines for the Return cult, as is usually the case with to the performance of Al Sadd, come-back win to beat Liman Committee First Vice-Presi- (SRB), NY Harlem (USA), to Basketball, developed by all matches between the two we must maintain the lead un- but we know that there are (SRB) in the final and defend dent and FIBA Asia President Novi Sad (SRB), Utena Uni- the FIBA Medical Advisory teams,” said Xavi speaking til the end of the tournament,” still a lot of steps to be taken, their FIBA 3x3 World Tour HE Sheikh Saud Bin Ali Al club (LTU), Jeddah (KSA), Group (MAG), which were ahead of the clash. added Xavi. and the only thing we can do Doha Masters title at the Al Thani and Qatar Basketball Lausanne Katapult (SUI), successfully introduced for “Certainly, we aspire to win Al Sadd player Mohammed is train and do our best and we Gharafa Beach Games Area Federation president Ahmed Piran (SLO), Sakiai Gulbele the FIBA 3x3 World Tour the three points and we do not Waad said, “We are ready to hope to perform well against on Saturday. Abdulrahman Al Muftah - (LTU), Ub (SRB), Amster- return in Debrecen, were im- have many injuries. Only Baha face Al Arabi. The morale of all them,” said Hallgrimsson. Down 20-15, the num- after leading his team in key dam (NED) and Ulaanbaatar plemented once again. Ellaithi and goalkeeper Saad Al our players is very high as we “There are some injuries in ber 3 team in the world Riga assists, rebounds and player MMC Energy (MGL), who DOHA MASTERS STANDINGS: Dossari will be absent because look to collect the three points the team, most notably Jassem (LAT) relentlessly bridged value. become the first-everM on- 1. Riga (LAT), 2. Liman (SRB), of injury. All other players are in order to stay in the lead. Jaber, who suffered an injury the gap until Karlis Lasma- Riga went 5-0 in the golian team to ever reach the 3. Utena Uniclub (LTU), 4. Jed- ready. Now, we have a large “The Qatar national team with the national team, but we nis hit an impossible Tissot state-of-the-art Al Gharafa FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final. dah (KSA), 5. Princeton (USA), group to choose the squad and experience in the matches focus on players who are ready Buzzer Beater off the dribble Sports Complex and Liman In the individual con- 6. Lausanne Katapult (SUI), 7. we are very happy. against Costa Rica and South to play and fight forA l Arabi. from way behind the arc to confirmed their domination tests, Chris Staples (USA) Bielefeld LFDY (GER) 8. Lusail “I think Al Sadd are the Korea was a wonderful experi- “Besides the league, we earn his team a 21-20 win. on 3x3 in Doha. The two won the McDonald’s Dunk (QAT), 9. Yoyogi Crayon.EXE favorites to win, but we have ence for me. And I thank the will face Al Sadd in the Amir The 26-year-old lefty teams have combined to win Contest while former FIBA (JPN), 10. Ub (SRB), 11. Ma- to show our true level on the coach of national team Felix Cup final as well, so we try stepped up in the final with a all four FIBA 3x3 World Tour Basketball World Cup par- nila Chooks TM (PHI), 12. NY field. We have experience Sanchez for his confidence in to improve certain things game-high 11 points. It was a Masters this season. ticipant Kostas Vasileiadis Harlem (USA), 13. Riyadh (KSA), playing such matches, as there me and I hope to live up to in our team, so that we can team effort for Riga all week- They will meet again at (from Greece, playing for 14. Kamakura NatureMade is no room for mistakes. Al expectations in the upcoming play better against them,” he end though as sharpshooter the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lusail, QAT) dominated the (JPN). Sadd are the league leader and matches.” added. Salman Al Emadi excels on The Toymaker for Big Tour title Longines Hathab Round 4 Season 4 Tribune News Network Doha

Salman Mohammed Al Emadi once again excelled on his favourite mount The Toymaker to bag the hon- ours in the Big Tour event of the fourth round of Season 4 of Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour supported by The Social and Sport Con- tribution Fund at the indoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Big Tour winner Salman Al Emadi in action on The Toymaker. Federation on Saturday. Salman was swift and rode winning round, he was still the ished second with a time of with authority on his bay geld- best in a field of twelve riders 42.13secs with one fault. ing in the Table A, Competi- finishing in 42.11secs in what Mohammed Khalifa Al- tion with winning round, Art. was a close contest. baker on Verona claimed the 276.2.1 | 130/140cm class. Mubarak Yousuf Al Ru- third spot on the podium Though he had one fault in the maihi, riding Cantinero fin- finishing with four faults in

Hamad Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations, and Chairman, Organizing Committee Longines Hathab, and Badr Al Darwish, Secretary-General, Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations, and Member, Organizing Committee Longines Hathab, with the Big Tour podium finishers at QEF on Saturday.

38.73secs. in the two-day fourth round in awarded the winners of Open QR45,000 1. Rider: Salman Mohammed Al Emadi; Horse: The Earlier in the Open Class, various tour classes. Class in the presence of Omar Toymaker; Faults: 0; Time: 68.43; Winning Rd: Mohammed Al Ghazali finished Hamad Abdulrahman Al Al Mannai, Vice-Chairman of Faults: 1; Time: 42.11secs; Prize: QR12,375 on top riding Dino BB Z in the Attiyah, President Qatar and the Organizing Committee, 2. Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi; Cantinero; 0; fast action Table A, Two phases, Asian Equestrian Federations, Longines Hathab, and Ali bin 63.12; 1; 42.13secs; QR10,125 Art. 274.1.5.3 |115/120cm class. and Chairman, Organizing Yousef Al Rumaihi, Event Di- 3. Mohammed Khalifa Albaker; Verona; 12; 64.94; He clocked 43.14 and 23.96secs Committee Longines Hathab, rector and Organizing Commit- 4; 38.73secs; QR6,750. respectively in the two rounds and Badr Al Darwish, Secre- tee Member Longines Hathab. flawless. tary-General, Qatar and Asian The dressage events of Open Class | Table A, Two phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 Bandar Mansoor Al Hoban Equestrian Federations, and the fourth round of Longines |115/120cm | Prize-Money QR20,000 on Goliat was second clock- Member, Organizing Commit- Hathab Season 4 will be held 1. 290 Mohammed Al Ghazali; Dino BB Z; 0; ing 46.96 and 24.18secs, while tee Longines Hathab, awarded next Saturday (Nov 28th). 43.14; 0; 23.96secs; QR6,250 Nasser Al Ghazali was third on the Big Tour podium finishers. 2. Bandar Mansoor Al Hoban; Goliat 0; 46.96; 0; What A Pleasure in 45.76 and Yousef Al Nuaimi, repre- Results 24.18secs; QR5,000 Yousef Al Nuaimi, representative of The Social and Sport Contribution Fund, honours the winner of Open 24.53secs respectively. sentative of The Social and Big Tour | Table A, Competition with winning round, 3. Nasser Al Ghazali; What A Pleasure; 0; 45.76; 0; Class event of Longines Htahab round four at the QEF on Saturday. Over 100 riders took part Sport Contribution Fund, Art. 276.2.1 | 130/140cm | Prize-Money 24.53secs; QR3,750.